YOUR FUTURE AND YOUR PROBLEMS

Part 2 of 7

Revelation 2:8-11

Tonight I am going to continue with my series of messages from the Book of Revelation on “Getting Ready For Your Future.”

Last Wednesday we looked at the church in Ephesus and learned what our priorities should be in the future.  Tonight I’d like us to look at the church in Smyrna and see how to handle the problems you are going to experience in the future.  Our text is found in Revelation 2:8-11 and the title of my message is, “Your Future And Your Problems.”

Revelation 2:8, “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:”

The word “Smyrna” means “bitter.”  It received its name from the word “myrrh” which was a bitter gummy substance.  When Jesus was on the cross He was given myrrh.  When Jesus was prepared for burial myrrh was used.  While myrrh is naturally bitter, it produces a sweet smelling fragrance that was also used as a perfume when it is crushed.

2 Facts About Jesus


    *           He is always PRESENT
Jesus spans time.  His presence covers all the problems, circumstances and troubles of life.  Jesus is always in control of the troubles and circumstances you experience.  He is the first and the last.  He is always there.  He is there when the trouble begins, when the trouble is going on and when the trouble ends.


    *           He has experienced PROBLEMS
Jesus also has experienced suffering, pain and even death.  But His words here give all of us hope because we are told that He has come to life and lives today.  This means that since Jesus was victorious over His problems you too can have victory over your problems.

(Everyone Read)  2 Corinthians 1:5, “Because Christ suffered so much for us, we can receive so much comfort from him.” (GW)

When we are experiencing severe problems we often feel as though no one understands our pain.  If you were diagnosed with cancer, what kind of person would best be able to comfort you?  Someone else who has had cancer.  If your spouse or one of your loved ones dies, what kind of person would best be able to comfort you? Someone who has also lost a loved one.  No matter what kind of problem you experience in life, Jesus can identify with it.  In verse 8 Jesus is saying, “I’ve been where you are, I know what you are going through, I understand the pain and fear you feel.”

Some people are so busy adding up their troubles that they forget to count their blessings. How do you handle your problems?